T41 Display Hardware Problem

[jdhurst]

Hello All,
I need some assistance with my T41 (which must go to Metafore Service on Monday Morning).

Recently, the display has been flickering. At first I thought flickering off briefly, then back on for a while (possibly even all day). I thought it might be the flat cable.

However, very recently, I find that it is flickering to dim (not off) because it is staying dim longer. By dim, I mean, almost dark, but the "colours" such as they are, are correct (that is, not pink or green or some other strange shade). If it flickers dim and stays, I can press Ctrl-F3 (turn off monitor), wait 10 seconds, and turn the monitor back on. A cold restart is also very helpful.

So: Is this a symptom of (1) inverter going out? or (2) backlight going out? {I can still see the display, just very dim}, or (3) both?

The machine is not in warranty, and it works perfectly well outside of this.

So: Given the repair cost of opening the machine (fixed), should I arbitrarily replace both plus the cable? (like changing a water pump and idler pulley when you replace a serpetine belt).

Like I say, I will drop off the machine Monday am, and I am fairly sure (parts not being an issue) that I can pick it up Monday night.
Thanks, ... JDH

[Harryc]

JD, I am thinking it's the CCFL more than the inverter, but usually if the CCFL is going bad it's dim all the time. I could ship you a complete T40 LCD assm if that would help to troubleshoot. A loose (or pinched) wire at the inverter or at the ends of the CCFL might act like this too.

[jdhurst]

Hi Harry,
I have heard back from the service person and it is the display. Could you ship me the T40 LCD Assembly? I assume it is working, and I assume it is 1024x768. Assuming such, PM me and we will work out the arrangements. Thanks ... JDH

[Harryc]

YGPM